Spiny tops
Turbinaria ornata

Family: Sargassaceae

What it is like

A seaweed. The main stalk has branches which are top shaped. The edges have ridged spines. The small branches develop floating spaces which keep the branches erect. It grows 3-10 cm tall.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on coral reefs. It grows in the lower tidal zones on fairly sheltered shores.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andaman Islands, Asia, Australia, Chile, China, Comoros, Cook Islands, East Africa, Eritrea, Fiji, French Polynesia, FSM, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna

How it is used for food

It is eaten raw or cooked or pickled.

Edible parts

Algae, frond, seaweed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Agar-agar-ksong, Arien essong

Synonyms

Fucus turbinatus var. ornata Turner;